Less than 7 percent of cats adopted from Saginaw County animal shelter in 2012; discount aims to increase rate

SAGINAW, MI Â— The Saginaw County Animal Care Center was able to adopt out 170 of the 2,495 cats taken into the facility in 2012, giving the county-run shelter a success rate for cat adoptions of less than 7 percent.

So far this year, 84 of the 845 cats taken in have been adopted out, for a rate of 10 percent. Of those not adopted to individuals, 445 cats have been euthanized, though 73 of those were at the owner's request.

County Animal Control Director Kevin Wilken says he hopes discounted adoption will help improve cat adoption this year.

"This is the first time we're trying this here," Wilken said. "Hopefully this special will offset the euthanasia rates."

Starting Tuesday, July 9, people shopping for a cat at the animal control center can take advantage of a reduced-price, $50 adoption fee. The typical cat adoption fee at the shelter, which includes spaying or neutering and shots, is $90.

The special is available for the first 25 adopters.

If 25 cats are adopted in the next week or two, while the discounted fee
is available, Wilken said he will consider the subsidized adoption
program a success.

It is sponsored through a donation from the Saginaw County Humane Society. Half of the $2,000 donation will fund the adoption program. The rest will go toward supplies at the shelter, Wilken said.

Canine count

Dogs taken into the shelter have a better chance of being adopted.

Of the 2,257 dogs taken into the facility in 2012, nearly 25 percent (560 dogs) were adopted out.

So far in 2013, 162 of the 958 dogs taken in (17 percent) have been adopted out. Another 275 have been transferred to rescues, and 273 have been euthanized, though 132 of those were at the request of the dogs' owners.